Ultrastructural features of gaucher disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy presenting as mesenteric mass lesions

The classical ultrastructural features of Gaucher disease include large numbers of intracytoplasmic, membrane-bound lysosomal inclusions containing characteristic tubular structures on an electron-lucent background, representing the periodic acid schiff (PAS)--positive Gaucher cells identifiable on light microscopy. Following enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), many of the manifestations of the condition are ameliorated, but persistent mesenteric lymphadenopathy has been reported, the ultrastructural features of which previously have not been described. Two children, aged 4 and 8 years old, respectively, both presented with persistent abdominal lymphadenopathy whilst receiving ERT for Gaucher disease. Needle core biopsies were carried out, that demonstrated collections of macrophages and only scattered storage-type cells on light microscopy. PAS staining was negative in one case and only focally positive in the other. Electron microscopic examination, however, confirmed the cells represented macrophages, the cytoplasm of which contained scattered abnormal inclusions containing occasional twisted tubular structures of the type reported in classic Gaucher disease. ERT in Gaucher disease appears to reduce accumulation of the metabolic products at many sites. But for uncertain reasons, abdominal lymphadenopathy may occur containing macrophages that do not form granulomas or classic Gaucher cells on light microscopy. These probably represent incomplete clearance, incomplete/partial enzyme replacement, or possibly an unusual response to a relatively small amount of storage material.     

Immunoglobulin abnormalities and effects of enzyme replacement therapy in children with Gaucher disease

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia is documented in patients with Gaucher disease of all ages. We investigated the frequency of hyperimmunoglobulinemia in 12 pediatric patients with type I and III Gaucher disease and the effects of enzyme replacement therapy on these abnormalities. The incidence of hyperimmunoglobulinemia was 77%, 66%, and 60% at the diagnosis, before and after ERT, respectively. Immunoglobulin G abnormalities were the most commonly seen isotype abnormality. After enzyme replacement therapy normalization of IgA and IgM levels were recorded but decline in IgG levels was less likely to occur. This study indicated the higher frequency of hyperimmunoglobulinemia in pediatric Gaucher patients.     

Individualized long‐term enzyme therapy for Gaucher disease type 1 in Slovenia

Background: Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) was the first lysosomal storage disorder for which an effective enzyme replacement therapy was developed. We describe the management of eight GD1 patients in Slovenia who were diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 15 years. Methods: Patients were individually assessed to establish initial enzyme doses and monitored frequently to determine the effects of long‐term enzyme dose regimens. Outcomes up to 10 years after long‐term treatment are described by changes in the Zimran severity score index, chitotriosidase and acid phosphatase levels, and after 2001, bone parameters (DEXA bone mineral density scores and the MRI bone marrow burden score). Results: Following the initiation of enzyme therapy with individualized dose regimens (range 25–56 U/kg/14 days) and followed by a gradual reduction of doses (range 12–35 U/kg/14 days) during long‐term maintenance, disease status improved in all patients as measured by the Zimran severity score index (from a mean of 11.25 [median 11.5] before therapy to a mean of 4.12 [median 3.5] at last report). Anemia and leucopenia resolved in all patients, chitotriosidase and acid phosphatase levels decreased in all patients (and by over 75% in six patients) within 1 year of treatment. Bone marrow burden scores improved in all monitored patients and DXA scores improved in six of seven monitored patients. Conclusions: We conclude that enzyme therapy with relatively low, individualized dose regimens is well‐tolerated and effective in children and young adults with GD1 disease, who are regularly monitored for changes in disease status.     

Effects of enzyme replacement therapy in thirteen Japanese paediatric patients with Gaucher disease

To determine treatment effects in the unique and previously internationally unreported Japanese paediatric patient population with Gaucher disease (GD), we analysed six response parameters among 13 patients given enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Also to obtain insights into optimising maintenance dosing, through subgroup analysis we retrospectively examined effects of three ERT dose reduction schedules from a starting regimen of 60 U/kg of body weight every 2 weeks. Our patients included 11 males and two females, 11 individuals with possible type 1 and two individuals with type 3b GD, six individuals with the L444P/F2131 genotype and five with the L444P/L444P genotype, and five who had been splenectomised. Despite different mutation prevalence, Japanese patients with GD, like their counterparts from other ethnic groups, generally benefitted from ERT. However, early and marked ERT dose reduction (from 60 U/kg to 30 or 15 U/kg every 2 weeks within ≤6 months) was associated with insufficient improvement of mean haemoglobin level and relative height and with insufficient improvement or worsening of platelet count. Only the subgroup given 60 U/kg of ERT every 2 weeks for 36 months had significant improvement in mean haemoglobin, platelet count, angiotensin-converting enzyme and acid phosphatase levels and relative height at 36 months. Conclusion These data suggest that long-term high dose enzyme replacement therapy may be required to obtain sufficient improvement to maintain health among paediatric patients with severe Gaucher disease. Received: 12 April 2000 / Accepted: 25 May 2000     

酶替代治疗戈谢病72例

目的通过对戈谢病患者的用药跟踪监测,综合评估酶制剂伊米苷酶(Imiglucerase)替代疗法(ERT)治疗戈谢病的效果。方法 1999年5月至2005年10月,ERT 治疗戈谢病72例,男46例、女26例,年龄1岁4个月～22岁。Ⅰ型57例、Ⅱ型2例、Ⅲ型13例。伊米苷酶初剂量60 U/kg,每2周1次静脉滴注,2年后剂量改为45 U/kg。每用药3～6个月,对患者进行身高、体重、血常规、肝脾容积测定、长骨 X 线等检查。结果 3例失访,4例死亡,正接受治疗65例。ERT 治疗12个月起,未切除脾脏患者的 Hb 和血小板值显著增加(P<0.01);ERT 治疗30个月时,已切除脾脏患者的Hb 值明显增加(P<0.01),而血小板值在 ERT 治疗中无明显改变(P>0.05)。肝、脾体积随时间显著回缩(P<0.01),治疗24个月肝脏缩小(39±17)%、脾脏缩小(59±21)%。治疗12个月,2～12岁患儿身高增长(8.6±4.3)cm,体重增加(2.6±1.7)kg,12～18岁患儿身高增长(5.2±3.9)cm,体重增加(4.5±3.3)kg。复查骨 X 线征象无明显改变、16例合并骨痛经治疗3个月即缓解;Ⅱ、Ⅲ型神经系统症状无改善;全部病例未发现严重的毒副作用。结论 ERT 可改善戈谢病患者全身症状:纠正贫血、血小板减少,使肝脾体积回缩,体格发育,骨痛缓解,从而提高其生存质量。     

Ten years' experience of enzyme infusion therapy of Norrbottnian (type 3) Gaucher disease

Aim: To study the long-term effects of enzyme replacement therapy on the neurological signs of chronic neuronopathic Gaucher disease and to evaluate some biochemical parameters for monitoring the treatment. Methods: Eight patients from the Norrbottnian cohort were followed during 10 y of treatment. They were followed with regular clinical observations, biochemical tests and psychometric testing. Results: After the start of treatment, their general well-being improved and was stable during the follow-up. In three of the patients there were some indications of slow neurological deterioration. The mean results of psychometric testing did not decrease. Glucosylceramide and chitotriosidase levels were useful in monitoring the treatment. The chemokine CCL18 also seems to be a useful parameter for future monitoring.

Conclusions: Enzyme replacement therapy seems to slow down further neurological and mental deterioration in mild chronic neuronopathic (type 3) Gaucher disease.     

酶制剂Cerezyme治疗高雪氏病效果观察

目的　酶制剂cerezyme替代疗法治疗高雪氏病 4年小结。方法　 Cerezyme初剂量 6 0U/kg ,每 2周 1次静脉滴注 ,2年后疗效好转剂量改为 30U/kg。结果 　 1 5例用药 4年以上的患者 ,血红蛋白平均增加 2 1g/L ,1 4例血小板近 1 2月恢复正常 ;脾功能亢进得到改善 ,肝脾回缩 9.3%和 6 0 .6 % ,肝功能治疗 6个月后大多恢复正常 ;身高平均增长 2 5 6厘米 ,体重平均增加 1 4 5公斤 ,生活质量明显提高。结论　 在基因治疗尚未广泛应用之前 ,酶替代疗法仍是唯一改善症状的有效措施     

Gaucher disease: multiple lessons from a single gene disorder

Gaucher disease is the most common lysosomal storage disease. It is caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase, a β-glucosidase, which results in the accumulation of the lipid glucocerebroside in macrophages throughout the body. Gaucher disease is most common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, and three mutations of the gene encoding glucocerebrosidase ( GBA ) have been shown to be prevalent in this population (c.1226 A > C [N370S], 84GG and IVS2[+1]). In non-Jewish patients, the most common mutation is c.1448 G > C (L444P). Until 15 years ago, treatment has been restricted to symptomatic interventions, such as splenectomy or hip replacement. However, there are now specific treatment options – enzyme replacement therapy and substrate reduction therapy. Future developments may include the use of chaperone therapy.
Conclusion: The lessons that we have learned from Gaucher disease may well be applicable to the development of therapies for some of the other less common lysosomal storage diseases.     

Splenic nodules in paediatric Gaucher disease treated by enzyme replacement therapy

Background The natural history of focal splenic lesions in paediatric Gaucher disease (GD) is unknown and these lesions are thought to persist despite enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Objective To assess the prevalence, evolution and resolution of splenic nodules in a cohort of paediatric Gaucher patients treated with ERT. Materials and methods The US findings in 37 children with GD were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 28 children underwent serial abdominal US examinations as part of their initial assessment and during routine follow-up. All patients received ERT. Results Six children (21%) had splenic nodules on US examination, either at presentation or on follow-up examination. In all six patients, the nodules had resolved on follow-up imaging, with resolution taking 17 months to 4 years 8 months. Two sets of siblings developed nodules that resolved over a similar time period. Conclusion Disappearance of focal splenic lesions in children with GD during follow-up has not been previously reported. The development of new focal splenic lesions in children with GD whilst on ERT has not been previously documented.     

Neurological features in Gaucher's disease during enzyme replacement therapy

This report describes two patients with Gaucher's disease who had unusual clinical symptoms during enzyme replacement therapy. One patient was a female with type 3 Gaucher's disease. She developed a pericardial effusion at 7 y of age, which contained many Gaucher cells despite enzyme replacement therapy. She died from neurological deterioration during enzyme replacement therapy, despite an improvement in her visceral manifestations. The other patient is a male with type 2 Gaucher's disease, who has achieved long-term survival after being supported by mechanical ventilation and enzyme replacement therapy. While on enzyme replacement therapy at the age of 4 y, he suffered a generalized cutaneous disease which was clinically diagnosed as ichthyosis. Conclusion: These cases suggest that ordinary enzyme replacement therapy is insufficient for some of the non-neurological manifestations of severe types of Gaucher's disease.     

Aminohydroxypropylidene-biphosphonate in the treatment of bone lesions in a case of Gaucher's disease type 3

Bembi B, Agosti E, Boehm P, Nassimbeni G, Zanatta M, Vidoni L. Aminohydroxypropylidene-biphosphonate in the treatment of bone lesions in a case of Gaucher's disease type 3. Acta Pædiatr 1994;83:122–4. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5253
Gaucher disease is the most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder. It is characterized by an autosomal recessive inheritance of a deficiency of lysosomal acid glucocerebrosidase. Three clinical phenotypes are recognized: type 1 (non-neuronopathic), type 2 (acute neuronopathic), type 3 (subacute neuronopathic). Bone lesions are associated with type 1 and type 3 Gaucher disease. Skeletal involvement is secondary to the progressive accumulation of histiocytes and macrophages laden with glucosylceramide in bone marrow. Our patient was a female type 3 Gaucher patient who was referred to us at the age of 3 years with a neurological symptomatology and severe bone lesions (bilateral fracture of the femur heads, lytic process of the bone matrix of the femurs and distal flask deformity, kyphoskoliosis and chest deformity). The baby was constrained to a wheel-chair. The use of (3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene)-1,1-biphosphonate (APD) was described in a case of Gaucher disease with very severe bone lesions. We used periodic iv infusions of APD (10 mg every 3 weeks) in our patient for a period of 20 months; after that, enzyme replacement therapy (alglucerase) was commenced. APD treatment showed normalization of bone density, formation of bone callus at the femural heads, positive calcium balance. The urinary Ca/Cr ratio and TRP were consistently normal during therapy. After 9 months of algucerase therapy the patient was able to walk again. The data indicate that APD therapy can find an indication in Gaucher patients with severe bone involvement.     

Roles of specific cytokines in bone remodeling and hematopoiesis in Gaucher disease

BACKGROUND: Gaucher disease type 1 and type 3 are characterized by bone disease and hematological symptoms. It is known that monocyte/macrophage lineage is activated in Gaucher disease, and accordingly certain cytokines are elevated in blood. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible relationships between cytokines and bone remodeling and hematological abnormalities in this disease. METHODS: The concentrations of seven cytokines and two related proteins were measured in patients with Gaucher disease type 1 and type 3 (n= 8; age range, 2-50 years) who had received enzyme replacement therapy. RESULTS: Concentrations of interleukin-18 and transforming growth factor-beta1 were elevated in patients of all clinical types. Elevation of these cytokines in Gaucher disease has not been previously reported. Analysis of correlation among cytokines and bone-turnover markers showed that interleukin-18 concentration was correlated with each of two bone formation markers of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin concentration, whereas macrophage colony-stimulating factor concentration correlated with the bone absorption marker of N-telopeptide to helix in urine. Concentrations of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were inversely correlated with hemoglobin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin-18 and monocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor are cytokines mainly involved in the mechanism of bone disease, while macrophage colony-stimulating factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha may play a role in the development of hematological abnormalities in Gaucher disease.     

Comprehensive and long-term outcomes of enzyme replacement therapy followed by stem cell transplantation in children with Gaucher disease type 1 and 3

Background

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder, characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, bone diseases, with or without neurological symptoms. Plasma glucosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb1), a highly sensitive and specific biomarker for GD, has been used for diagnosis and monitoring the response to treatment. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is an effective treatment for the non-neurologic symptoms of GD. Neuronopathic GD (type 2 and 3) accounts for 60%–70% of the Asian affected population.

Methods

We explored combination therapy of ERT followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and its long-term outcomes in patients with GD type 3 (GD3).

Results

Four patients with GD3 and one with GD type 1 (GD1) underwent HSCT. The types of donor were one matched-related, one matched-unrelated, and three haploidentical. The age at disease onset was 6–18 months and the age at HSCT was 3.8–15 years in the patients with GD3. The latest age at follow-up was 8–22 years, with a post-HSCT duration of 3–14 years. All patients had successful HSCT. Chronic graft-versus-host disease occurred in one patient. The enzyme activities were normalized at 2 weeks post HSCT. Lyso-Gb1 concentrations became lower than the pathological value. All of the patients are still alive and physically independent. Most of them (4/5) returned to school. None of the patients with GD3 had seizures or additional neurological symptoms after HSCT, but showed varying degrees of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

ERT followed by HSCT could be considered as an alternative treatment for patients with GD3 who have a high risk of fatal neurological progression.     

Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum – Fabry disease: historical review from the original description to the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy

This paper gives a brief historical overview of Fabry disease. First described in 1898 and called angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, a succession of observations and pioneering clinical research over the past 100 years has led to our present understanding of the disease. The major milestones during this time are described, as is the work that resulted in the successful introduction of enzyme replacement therapy.     

Phenotypic continuum in neuronopathic Gaucher disease: an intermediate phenotype between type 2 and type 3

Neuronopathic Gaucher disease, classically divided into two types, can have a continuum of phenotypes, often defying categorization. Nine children had an intermediate phenotype characterized by a delayed age of onset but rapidly progressive neurological disease, including refractory seizures and oculomotor abnormalities. There was genotypic heterogeneity among these patients.     

Fabry disease and the heart: an overview of the natural history and the effect of enzyme replacement therapy

Fabry disease is a genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of α-galactosidase A, resulting in the lysosomal accumulation of glycosphingolipids. Fabry disease may result in cardiac, cerebral and renal complications. Cardiac abnormalities in patients with Fabry disease were first described in the 1960s. In the 1990s a form of Fabry disease confined to the heart was reported; however, this variant is extremely rare and a more appropriate concept is of cardiac predominance of the disease in some patients. Up to 60% of males with classic Fabry disease have cardiac abnormalities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, valvular dysfunction and conduction abnormalities. Recent data suggest that left ventricular mass and systolic function in patients with Fabry disease improve after 12 months of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT); however, many of the patients studied are relatively young and have mild cardiac abnormalities, suggesting that more research into the efficacy of ERT in older patients is necessary.
Conclusion: Cardiac manifestations are common in patients with Fabry disease and are not confined to a 'cardiac variant' of the disease.     

Monitoring the clinical and biochemical response to enzyme replacement therapy in three children with Fabry disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism resulting from a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme -galactosidase A. This leads to the progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids in lysosomes of most visceral tissues and in body fluids. Following successful clinical trials in adults, two recombinant enzyme preparations of -galactosidase have recently been licensed in Europe for the treatment of Fabry disease and treatment in children has commenced. We now report the clinical findings and the levels of globotriaosylceramide in plasma and urine in three boys who have been treated with enzyme replacement therapy (agalsidase beta, Fabrazyme), 1 mg/kg for 2 years. In one boy there was a rapid improvement in all the clinical and biochemical parameters measured. This has been maintained. In the other two boys, who are siblings, there was no measurable clinical improvement after 1 year and the levels of globotriaosylceramide in plasma and urine, although lower than before treatment, were still considerably elevated. There was no evidence of blocking or neutralising antibodies so the dose of enzyme was increased to 2 mg/kg at 74 weeks of therapy. At 2 years their pain scores had improved but this was not accompanied by any reduction in the plasma or urine globotriaosylceramide levels. Conclusion:measurement of globotriaosylceramide in plasma and urine may not be the most appropriate marker to monitor the progression of treatment by enzyme replacement therapy in all patients. Certainly the subjective clinical improvement in the two brothers in this report outweighed the objective biochemical findings.Abbreviations CTH globotriasosylceramide - ERT enzyme replacement therapy - FA fatty acid - LCB sphingosine - MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry